Andersen’s Fairy Tales

as I speak when I talk Raven language; this I learned from
my tame sweetheart. He was bold and nicely behaved; he
had not come to woo the Princess, but only to hear her
wisdom. She pleased him, and he pleased her.’
‘Yes, yes; for certain that was Kay,’ said Gerda. ‘He was
so clever; he could reckon fractions in his head. Oh, won’t
you take me to the palace?’
‘That is very easily said,’ answered the Raven. ‘But
how are we to manage it? I’ll speak to my tame sweetheart
about it: she must advise us; for so much I must tell you,
such a little girl as you are will never get permission to
enter.’
‘Oh, yes I shall,’ said Gerda; ‘when Kay hears that I am
here, he will come out directly to fetch me.’
‘Wait for me here on these steps,’ said the Raven.He
moved his head backwards and forwards and flew away.
The evening was closing in when the Raven returned.
‘Caw —caw!’ said he. ‘She sends you her compliments;
and here is a roll for you. She took it out of the kitchen,
where there is bread enough. You are hungry, no doubt.
It is not possible for you to enter the palace, for you are
barefooted: the guards in silver, and the lackeys in gold,
would not allow it; but do not cry, you shall come in still.
My sweetheart knows a little back stair that leads to the